In a tragic incident, prominent music agent Dave Shapiro lost his life in a plane crash that occurred in a residential area of San Diego. Shapiro was a co-founder of Sound Talent Group, representing notable rock bands including Sum 41, Story of the Year, and Pierce the Veil.
Details of the crash and its impact
Reports indicate that Daniel Williams, the former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada, is also feared to have been involved in this devastating crash. Williams had shared several posts on social media from the aircraft shortly before the accident, raising concerns regarding his safety.
Federal officials have confirmed that there were six individuals aboard the small aircraft, a Cessna 550, and all are presumed dead. The crash, which occurred at approximately 3:45 PM local time, resulted in the destruction of one home and inflicted damage upon ten others in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, scattering charred vehicles and debris across the area.
“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” a spokesman for Sound Talent Group expressed in a statement. “Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time.”
The agency revealed that three of its employees, including Shapiro, were on the plane, but did not disclose the identities of the other victims. Local authorities have confirmed that at least two fatalities resulted from the crash, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is investigating the incident, stated that the total number of casualties remains uncertain.
Investigation and eyewitness accounts
According to the NTSB, the Cessna 550 had departed from New Jersey late Wednesday evening and made a stop in Wichita, Kansas, for refueling before heading towards San Diego. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang, followed by sights of smoke and flames. Local resident Christopher Moore recounted fleeing with his family upon hearing the crash.
Elliot Simpson, an investigator with the NTSB, noted that the aircraft appeared to have collided with two power lines before veering into the neighborhood, though it remains too early to determine if this was a factor in the crash’s cause. Investigators are currently gathering evidence, having located fragments of the aircraft below the downed power lines and a wing on a nearby street.
In the wake of this tragedy, the neighborhood witnessed the evacuation of approximately 100 residents, while eight individuals sustained injuries, with one requiring hospitalization.
As the investigation continues, the aviation world mourns the loss of a beloved figure. Shapiro was not only a respected music agent but also an avid pilot and certified flight instructor with over 15 years of experience, as noted by his aviation company, Velocity Aviation.
Williams, who was a founding member of The Devil Wears Prada, had expressed his love for flying in recent social media posts, which included images of himself with Shapiro in the cockpit. The band conveyed their grief through a heartfelt Instagram tribute, stating, “no words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
The community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, as more details about the crash and its victims unfold.